Proverb lore in Shakespeare's comedies.

Shakespeare's use of proverbs in his comedies follows rather closely conventional Elizabethan artistic devices. In his more mature comedies and in his later romances proverbs are woven into the organic structure. The proverbs have some rather definite patterns of usage: moralization, ornamentation, character portrayal, and structural function. As moralizing elements they underline theme and plot, stress sententious wisdom, and express comic or serious reflections on human life. As instruments of ornamentation they provide anecdotes and allusions to historical personages, highlight classical mythology, and point up superstitions and popular beliefs reflecting manners and customs; they also depict character types and delineate character. As elements in the dramatic structure proverbs function to introduce scenes, to emphasize situations, to heighten imagery, and to intensify beauty and humor. The large number employed in such a variety of ways and for such definite dramatic effects shows that Shakespeare consciously used them.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1958

Author dc:creator

• Benoit, Pauline Edwinna, 1933-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Smith, Charles G. (Professor)

• Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 -- Knowledge -- Proverbs.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14448

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14448